Slight chance of lingering rain this morning.It shapes up as a banner Fourth of July weekend.All sunshine and at least 85 degrees Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

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In fact, no more rain the rest of the week.

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We’re not sure which is worse for outdoor events — rain or scorching heat.

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This week reminds us why we don’t worry about buying a gas-driven generator to handle winter power outages.Who’s thinking winter now?

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Trenton doesn’t want to pay the unemployed the wages they’ve paid into the unemployment fund that has been raped of millions in past years?OK, give us back what we’ve paid in.We didn’t bungle it away and break the fund.Trenton did.

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“Please print my giant size thank you to Mr. Bob Thompson.“The light actually does make a world of difference. “The bad news is that the good people who lived there have gone (in case Mr. T. wasn’t informed).“There aren’t even any shades in the windows.“This is sad. “I hope we get some good neighbors.“Thanks, Jack.’’— Gloria Cortez

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What are the chances, Gloria?

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“If you saw Andy Pizzo Sr. and best friend Tony Brago on TV yesterday at the Phillies game, raise your hand. “The cell calls, the text messages, the phones were ringing off the hook at 5th Ward, the Italian Club, and the Shack yesterday“Turn on the Phillies game, it’s Bugs and Brago right behind the right-handed batter.’“Fifteen minutes of fame in 107 degree temperatures.“Hope they kept the liquids flowing.’’— Frank T. Harris Sr.

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Speaking of liquid, Frank, July is approaching.Is not July the end of the Tri-Chamber Weight Loss Competition?How is your self-esteem?Suze Orman says, as your self-esteem rises, your weight and your debt goes down.She didn’t factor in Nana Laws.

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The last time we looked, the Harris Team was in second place and Nana was washing the grease off the dinner dishes.

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Matthew Sharkey got his perfect attendance trophy.It was unveiled at his graduation party.It’s brown and orange, Cumberland Regional’s colors.It came from Bridgeton Trophy.

Are we ready for the demolition derbies at the Cumberland County Fair?It might be the most spirited competition of the entire year in the county.The first demolition derby is always opening night — Monday.The second —and biggest — is the last night — Saturday.

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Back again after a one-year absence, amateur truck pulling will be held on Thursday,

This should help you remember.

July 8, at 7 p.m., in the grandstand area.The farther your truck pulls the sled, the more the weight sled transfers the weight box forward, from over the axles to the steel plate. By the end of the track, even the most powerful trucks will be stopped cold by extremely large force of drag created by the awesome amount of weight bearing down upon the plate.

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“Saw the letter in BEN by ‘on the ball’ regarding the new sign at the skate park. “Rule No. 7 has the word ‘litter’ spelled ‘liter.’“Believe me, I’ve picked up my share working around Bridgeton the last 33 years, so I know how to spell it.’’— Frank Murphine 3rd

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“The Millville Army Air Field Museum will be open on Sunday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.“Come out and check out our new displays.“Our volunteer, Joe, will be cooking hot dogs and will be giving them away to anyone who comes out to visit.“Address is 1 Leddon Street, Millville Airport. “Thanks for supporting our museum and hope to see you on the 4th!’’— Lisa Jester,executive director Millville Army Air Field MuseumPhone: 327-2347Fax: 327-5737 e-mail: ljester@p47millville.org

“BEN column,“‘Buy yourself a can of wasp/hornet spray — the can shoots 20 to 30 feet.’“This is an internet myth which is passed on by bloggers and a very bad idea. “Also, there is not a wasp spray in existence which deploys 30 feet. “Purchase one, aim for a target 6 feet off the ground at a 20-foot range. “You’ll be lucky to hit the feet or floor at 20 feet! “Please read on below.“The problems with wasp spray are many. “First, no human testing has been conducted. “Second, it is illegal to use in self defense. “The canister labels states, ‘It is a violation of federal law to use in any manner inconsistent with this label. “‘Never use indoors!’“You can also be sued for using wasp spray in self-defense because of this warning on the label. “Home defense pepper spray is a much better option. “Pepper spray has been designed to specifically to stop humans, dogs and even bears. “Home defense pepper spray will deploy up to 25 feet. “Pepper spray is legal to use in self-defense. “Pepper spray is trusted and relied on by police departments worldwide.“The biggest advantage pepper spray provides is it doesn’t require pain to incapacitate because of its inflammatory effects. “Unlike wasp spray, pepper spray slams the eyes shut and causes a loss of breath sensation, which makes it effective even if the attacker is drunk, on drugs or is emotionally disturbed and cannot feel pain. “When your life is at stake, do you want something that can stop a wasp or a bear? “Go with pepper spray. “It’s legal and proven.“Thank you for your time.’’— David Nancevice president of sales & marketingSecurity Equipment Corporation747 Sun Park DriveFenton, Missouri 63026 Phone: 1-800-325-9568Fax: 1-636-343-1318www.sabrered.com

“As I was getting prepared for Dottie’s Walk, the sky turned an ominous shade of gray, and the clouds opened up with a torrential downpour. “As the rain began to subside, Mayor Shannon called me on my cell and asked if Dottie’s Walk was still a go. “I said, unless I hear otherwise, I would meet at Culver Center, at 5:30 p.m., as we do every Monday.“I was walking down Sassafras Street toward the rendezvous and it began to drizzle. “By the time I hit 3rd street, no more rain. “I saw Mayor Shannon and Officer Morales had beat me. “Then Jennifer Webb-McRae, our county prosecutor, pulled up. “I was talking to her last Saturday morning and she was mentioning how she wanted to do community outreach, to walk the neighborhoods and meet the residents. “I invited her to join us, and she immediately agreed — no hesitation. “That impressed me.“Linda and Ned Forbes were next to arrive, followed by commissioner Dale Finch. “As we headed off for the walk, Dale’s cell rang. “It was Jim Quinn, saying he was a few minutes away. “Jim came with Charlie Flickinger. “And, no, there was no violation of the sunshine law — when the three commissioners did talk, it was about those Phillies.“If you know Shannon and Quinn, you know that is what they discussed! “And Jennifer made sure that no politics were discussed.“Jennifer approached every person she saw on the streets, introduced herself, and invited them to Pastor Ennis’ meeting this Thursday evening at In His Presence. “The meeting will address the recent surge in criminal activity that has been plaguing Center City. “This was the third time I met Jennifer, and, each time, I came away with more respect. “She strikes me as a person who is sincere and full of integrity. “Of course, this being Dottie’s walk, we had to pass by Dottie’s house. “Dottie’s doctor has forbidden her from walking due to problems with her legs, but we still carry on the tradition.’’— Carl B. Johnson

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Jersey Fresh is saved!Sweet corn is in.It is a popular crop in New Jersey, one of the highest producers of sweet corn in the nation. New Jersey ranked 10th in 2009 with 78.1 million pounds produced. The crop was worth $22.8 million according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

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That’s $11 million for Rottkamp’s and $11 million for Marlboro Market.

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The Bridgeton High School Class of 1950, arguably the finest in school history, is holding its 60th reunion on Aug. 28, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Ramada Inn, in Vineland.If you didn’t receive an invitation to the luncheon, contact Betty Garrison at 451-6539.The following people are missing:Edna CossaboonPat Bauer BramwellDiane Blew McGregorCharles EstadtBetty Hendricks TerryChristine Kolenko YoungCharles MullenGeorge MazzoniAntoinette Frolio D’AngelisJohn RobinsonArlene Shea WilmsLewis StormHarold StrangRobert LowdenMayme Gotsis MartoranoGeorge Lange

Why is Toad Fish so great?Look no further than Dan Singletary, Mike Rossi, Bill Musey and Chris Rauner.

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“A/C is still down on some CATS vans. “Today, June 28, one of this year’s hottest days, we went to Philly on a van with no A/C!“If some vans have A/C, wouldn’t you select one with working A/C to send disabled and senior citizens on a 3-hour round trip van transport?“No A/C and only a few windows were operable.“A case could be made for institutional elder abuse.“I have to continue to use CATS transportation and would appreciate anonymity.“The squeaky wheel seems to get the grease. “Please squeak for CATS riders.’’— still nauseous

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What the heck is going on here?Who’s in charge?Is the mechanic still off?If this doesn’t lead to a lawsuit soon, thre is no justice.Call us up and say, “Patience!’’ Lou Magazzu.Yesterday, Lou, Yesterday!

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MY KIND OF TOWN: Where let’s cut off air conditioning in the offices of all the people running the county until all CATS buses have air conditioning.